Talking Teen Services: Kids and Teens are Patrons, Too – Restorative Justice and Trauma-Informed Approaches in Public Libraries

How can public libraries be truly inclusive spaces for youth and teens, especially those from marginalized communities? In this session, we will explore how traditional patron codes of conduct often alienate young patrons and discuss the role of trauma-informed library services in building a more empathetic and equitable environment.  Participants will leave with actionable strategies to adopt restorative justice practices and communicate rules in ways that foster trust, understanding, and inclusion.

This will be an interactive learning opportunity. Please bring a copy of your library’s patron code of conduct with you for a group exercise.

Session archive